Premium short psychological horror
Whitehaven is a paid adventure experience from Somnambulist Games. This survival horror game focuses on the use of atmospheric and psychological horror instead of traditional paranormal elements. You play as a former employee in the titular Whitehaven Orphanage curious about what caused the closure of this facility.
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With its effective use of the environment, plus good pacing, Whitehaven has what it takes to be a great horror game. Unfortunately, it ends just as soon as it begins, with its short playthrough becoming its greatest disadvantage. It’s similar to Evil Inside or From The Darkness.
A short investigative story
Overall, Whitehaven feels more like an interactive investigation process instead of the horror game it’s marketed as. You return to your former company, trying to look for clues as to what caused its shutdown. This is the central idea around most puzzles and item searches that happen throughout the game. The game offers a good variety of these challenges for these parts, keeping it interesting all throughout.
This game spares you the tiring horror experience of a jumpscare trying to catch your attention every five minutes. Its set designs give off an eerie feel, which is worse for fast-moving players who make wide swings at the mouse. The set looks like there’s something there, but appears to be a corner or a random clutter instead. Even the timing of the character dialog can surprise players.
The only fault in this game is that it has a very short playthrough, clocking in at less than an hour. The story is delivered well, with a surprising ending, but you can’t help but ask for more content from this one. Also, the repeating background music definitely won’t help—it becomes nagging and you’re trapped with it since it can’t be disabled without muting your device completely.
Effective and lingering
Overall, Whitehaven is one of those horror games that actually leaves an impression on the player. By not relying on the standard gore and jumpscares, it grows into an authentic experience that is both addictive and intriguing. Unfortunately, these very traits make it more painful that this game ends where it does. It is recommended, yes, but get ready to ask for more.
